Initiative to give formerly incarcerated people a 2nd chance gets a financial boost

A proposed Maine bill aims to automatically seal certain misdemeanor criminal records, sparking debate over privacy rights, public access, and the balance between rehabilitation and transparency.

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester reintroduces the bipartisan Clean Slate Act, aiming to automatically seal federal records of low-level, nonviolent offenses, including marijuana charges, to enhance job opportunities and provide second chances for millions of Americans.

Springfield city officials express strong support for Massachusetts' Clean Slate legislation, aiming to ease barriers faced by residents with criminal records and promote second chances.